Culmstock Beacon and Black Down Common from Hemyock
Devon
The Blackdown Hills straddle the Devon and Somerset border, and Culmstock Beacon is one of their best viewpoints, a heathy hilltop above the River Culm crowned by a small stone beacon hut, built as a signal station to warn of the Spanish Armada in 1588. This 9.5km circular walk gives a dog real variety, from quiet lanes to a big open common, and starts at Millhayes, on the northern edge of Hemyock, the largest village in the Blackdown Hills, following quiet lanes west and north to Culm Davy, past its little chapel. It then climbs past Culm Davy Hill through woodland to the beacon, where from around 250 metres there are views across Devon and Somerset, and continues over Black Down Common, a large area of heathland with plenty of footpaths and birdlife, before returning to Hemyock. It is a moderate walk, with an estimated 220 metres of climbing on lanes, woodland paths and open heath.
This is a dog friendly walk with real variety for a dog: lanes, woods and a big open common to explore. On Black Down Common there is room for a dog with good recall to run, but horses are often grazing there, so keep your dog close and on a lead when they are nearby. The lane sections carry occasional traffic. The woodland gives shade on the climb, but the common and the beacon are open and exposed. Afterwards, the Catherine Wheel in Hemyock is dog friendly and has a garden.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 9.5 km (5.9 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 3 hr 10 min
- Walk Type
- Heathland, Historic, Peak
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- Moderate
- Facilities
- The Catherine Wheel pub in Hemyock (dog friendly, per gps-routes); shop in Hemyock. None on route.
- Parking
- Limited village parking in Hemyock; no dedicated walkers' car park confirmed.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Culmstock Beacon and Black Down Common from Hemyock, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
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All dog friendly stays in DevonFrequently Asked Questions
Is Culmstock Beacon and Black Down Common from Hemyock dog friendly?
Yes, this is a well-regarded dog-friendly walk with a rating of 7/10. The route offers real variety for dogs, taking in quiet lanes, woodland paths and the wide open heathland of Black Down Common, before finishing near the Catherine Wheel pub in Hemyock, which is also dog friendly and has a garden.
Can dogs be off lead at Culmstock Beacon and Black Down Common from Hemyock?
On Black Down Common there is space for a dog with good recall to run freely, but horses are often grazing there, so you should keep your dog close and on a lead whenever horses are nearby. The lane sections carry occasional traffic, so leads are advisable there too.
What should I know before visiting Culmstock Beacon and Black Down Common from Hemyock with my dog?
This is a moderate 9.5km circular walk with around 220 metres of climbing, so it's worth making sure your dog is comfortable with that distance. The beacon and common are open and exposed, so be prepared for the elements, though the woodland section does offer shade on the climb. Parking is limited in Hemyock and there is no dedicated walkers' car park, so it's worth arriving early or allowing time to find a spot.
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